The Wife Factor

[erikhtpc]

I about to ditch Directv Tivo in the living room and replace it with a BT Server PC. I currently have a BTV server in my office with a link in the kitchen (lcd screen imbedded in the wall). In the living room I have Directv Tivo for video and use a Roku to stream music and HDTV.

My wife has been very patient in the past with my tecky needs, but hate when i keep throwing new things her way (ie. new remotes, Roku, new receiver).

I want to keep things simple. I don't want the feel of windows XP in my livingroom. I want a simple system that will finally consolidate SD video, HD video, music, photos, ripped DVDs, and rented DVDs.

Lastly, is there any quality loss in a BTV set-up. I already know that I loose the ability to use component video. There is an extra step in the process because I will now have to use an s-video cable from the Direct box to the computer. I assume that every transfer will reduce quality - right? I guess I will just use the DVI out from the 9700pro card to my projection TV.

Thanks for all the help......

[HomeyFour]

I've got a BTV server and 2 BTV Link machines. All work effortlessly and are essentially automatic. The only time I see anything remotely "windows" is if a windows update window pops up, if I am starting the computer, or shutting it down. I didn't have the $$ to invest in beautiful HTPC cases (Silverstone one makes me cry...) so I've got 3 generic cheapo black cases from CompUSA. She likes the BTV. It's taken me a little bit of time to get things exactly as I like it, but the BTV + Link + BM combo works well along with the FireFly remote. One day I want to clean up the cases to something more elegant. SD quality is actually better than on TV, since I've got my encoder cards doing some signal filtering - softens the image, but eliminates some noise. My wife was AMAZED when I hooked up our HD tuner - even on our SD TVs, the image is stunning, especially compared to SD. She remarked how much older the local news anchors looked in HD!